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'Zombies, Run!' marks latest update by going free-to-play
Zombies, Run! celebrated the release of version 4.0 earlier this week with some major modifications. The popular gamified exercise app, which used to retail for a flat $4 at the Google Play Store, has switched over to a free-to-play subscription model. The app and gameplay themselves haven't changed much. Users are challenged to run (literally) a series of 200-plus missions while avoiding the gnashing teeth of an Undead swarm, all within the context of a post-apocalyptic audio drama. Six to Start, the app's developer, has already released four "seasons" of added content since its debut and will likely continue to do so. However, users will now have to pay $3 per month (or $20 per year) to keep getting these regular updates.
Daily iPhone App: Zombies, Run! 5k helps novices train for a 5K
In June, there is a local 5K race and I want to run in it. It's been years since I've done any serious running so I definitely have to prepare for this event. Like any good techie, I turned to my iPhone and the App Store for motivation. After searching, I stumbled on a new version of an old favorite, Zombies, Run!, that has been adapted for 5K training. Zombies, Run! 5K is meant for the beginning runner who wants to train for a 5K. The app has 25 workouts that you spread out over an eight-week period. Unlike other trainers, Zombies, Run! 5K emphasizes starting slow and listening to your body as you gradually increase your endurance. You do workouts every other day and take the full eight weeks to train. Each 40-minute workout starts with a warm-up that is followed by a period of interval training. During the intervals, you alternate between running, walking and other activities like knee lifts or skipping. The workout wraps up with a free form period that lets you run or walk at your own pace. Each workout is challenging, but doable. The allure of Zombies Run! 5K is the story line that keeps you engaged as you train. You start off at an outpost and are one of a handful of runners training to run for the settlement. The area is overrun with zombies (called zoms) that are always lurking about. Each workout has a new scenario or task that you must complete by running or walking. At the end of a workout, you will receive a reward that plays into the storyline. A soothing female voice relays the story and encourages you throughout the workout. Other characters also appear during the storyline and you will get to know them by the end of your eight weeks. The narration complements your training, and is not overbearing. There is enough of the storyline to keep you distracted while you run. When the narration is quiet, you can listen to your own music to fill the voids. Zombies, Run! 5K can be used inside on a treadmill or outside. The app tracks your movement via GPS when you run outside and uses the accelerometer when you are inside. The app records your workout and saves some of the details like date, time and distance. You can review your runs by signing up for a ZombieLink account. Zombies, Run! 5K is available for US$1.99 from the iOS App Store.
Zombies, Run! kicks off season 2
Zombies, Run! is one of the most creative running apps that you'll find on the App Store, hands down. It does what many other running apps do, like track your time and distance. But it's also a game. By combining sound effects, narratives, characters and GPS tracking, the app lets you "play" along (by running, always by running) as Runner Five, one of several human survivors of a zombie apocalypse. Your missions often require you to pick up various virtual items, outrun the flesh-eaters and explore a zombie-filled, postapocalyptic setting. Zombies, Run! is very impressive in its staging. The app does a great job of not only keeping you running, but also telling a compelling story with strong characters (and even some real emotions). As of today, the app has reached version 2.0, and that means that the developer is kicking off "season two" of the game's missions. This means more stories (with you, the player, as "Runner 5"), more items to find and of course lots more running to do. You can also build your own base to fight off zombies from. The app also supports those who prefer to run on a treadmill, so even if you're work out at the gym, you can still get "chased" by zombies. To celebrate, the developer has launched a sale. The main app, if you don't already own it yet, is available for US$3.99. Season two's upcoming missions are being sold via a "season pass," which means you'll pay one price now and then get all of the add-ons as they come out. You can get a season two pass right now for just $1.99, half off of the usual $3.99 price. There's also a "sidequest pass" (with access to all of season two's sidequests) for $2.99, or you can pick up the whole shebang for $4.99 right now. Zombies, Run! is a terrific app, both to get you running and in terms of the way it's designed to tell a great episodic story. If you haven't gone for a jog with this app yet, now's a great time to do so.
